Device for connecting a support, especially a body part of a motor vehicle, with a panel element, especially a door or wall paneling

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for connecting a support ( 2 ), especially a body part of a motor vehicle, with a panel element, especially a door or wall paneling. Said device comprises a connecting element ( 1 ) with an upper part ( 3 ) that can be fastened to the panel element and with a lower part ( 4 ) that can be linked with the support ( 2 ). Between the upper part ( 3 ) and the lower part ( 4 ) a neck-shaped intermediate section ( 5 ) is provided with locking elements ( 10 ) and extends through an engaging element ( 12 ) that can be inserted in a support opening ( 7 ). The intermediate section ( 5 ) is enclosed by an intermediate element ( 15 ) above the support ( 2 ), said intermediate element ( 15 ) being lockable with the locking elements ( 10 ). A sealing element ( 20 ) is disposed between the intermediate element ( 15 ) and the engaging element ( 12 ) and acts upon the upper side of the support ( 2 ). The intermediate section ( 5 ) of the connecting element ( 1 ) is provided with a first zone I and a second zone II of the locking elements ( 10 ). In the preassembled state, the first zone I, and in the assembled state, the second zone II of the locking elements ( 10 ) is locked with counter-locking elements ( 22 ) of the intermediate element ( 15 ). In the assembled state E, the end section ( 4 ) of the connecting element ( 1 ) simultaneously forces apart the expandable elements ( 25 ) of the engaging element ( 12 ) in the area of the support opening ( 7 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The subject invention is directed to a device for connecting a support, a body part of a motor vehicle for instance, with a panel element, a door or wall paneling for instance. The device comprises a connecting element with an upper part that can be fastened to the panel element, and with a lower part that can be linked with the support, whereby between the upper part and the lower part there is provided a neck-shaped intermediate section which is equipped with locking elements and which extends through an engaging element that can be inserted in a support opening.

[0002] One prior art device is described in German Patent DE 298 10 437. There, a connecting element, with respect to which the intermediate section above the support is surrounded by an intermediate part, which can be locked with the locking elements, whereby between the intermediate part and the engaging element there is arranged a sealing element which acts upon the top surface of the support.

[0003] Further state of the art is a connection between a support and a panel element, whereby the engaging section of the upper part consists of two pockets, arranged above each other and separated by a cross-piece. This is shown in German Patent DE 195 04 692 A1.

[0004] Moreover, another connection is known between a support and a panel element, with respect to which the holding element between the two flanges presents a third elastic flange. This is shown in German Patent DE 297 18 487 U1.

[0005] Starting from the above-described state of the art, it is an object of the present invention to provide a device for connecting a support with a panel element, with respect to which there exists a synchronization of installation and removal forces during assembly and/or disassembly. In other words, there is an assurance of fine-tuned synchronization in the assembly with the lowest possible scattering of forces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The above object and others, according to the present invention, are solved in that the intermediate section of the connecting element presents a first section and a second section of the locking elements and that in the pre-assembly state, the first section and, in the post-assembly state, the second section of the locking elements is locked with counter locking elements of the intermediate part and that, in the final assembly, through the end section of the connecting element, spreader elements of the engaging element are simultaneously spread apart in the area of the support opening.

[0007] This results in a construction of simple design, which, nevertheless, ensures precise installation and removal forces during pre- and post-assembly, so that, consequently, the inventive device possesses, overall, a high degree of effectiveness.

[0008] In another embodiment of the invention, the first and the second section of the locking elements can respectively be designed as circumferential grooves, whereby the possibility exists that the first and the second sections are separated from each other by an intermediate neck.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the connecting element in the second section of the locking elements can have at least two diagonally opposing cross-pieces, which are embedded in slots of the intermediate section during final assembly.

[0010] In addition, the intermediate section can be designed in the shape of a disc with a central section comprising counter-locking elements and disposed slots in the area of a passage opening therebetween for the intermediate section of the connecting element and with a circumferential section with diagonally opposing recesses.

[0011] Other advantages and benefits of the invention beyond those described above will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangement of parts, the preferred embodiments of which will be described in detail in this specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and wherein:

[0013]FIG. 1 is a schematic lateral view of a device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention in a state of pre-assembly;

[0014]FIG. 2 is a sectional view along the line II-II of the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 3 is front elevational view of the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the device shown in FIG. 1 taken along the line IV-IV of FIG. 3;

[0017]FIG. 5 is a lateral view of the locking elements in accordance with the device shown in FIG. 1;

[0018]FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the locking elements shown in FIG. 5;

[0019]FIGS. 7a-7 c are lateral, front elevational and cross sectional views, respectively, of a connecting element according to the present invention;

[0020]FIGS. 8a-8 c are lateral, front elevational and cross sectional views, respectively, of an intermediate part according to the present invention;

[0021]FIGS. 9a-9 c are lateral, front elevational and cross sectional views, respectively, of a sealing element according to the present invention;

[0022]FIGS. 10a-10 c are lateral, front elevational and cross sectional views, respectively, of an engaging element according to the present invention;

[0023]FIGS. 11a-11 c are lateral, front elevational and cross sectional views, respectively, of a cap according to the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 12 is a lateral view of the assembled device of FIG. 1 after insertion into an associated support opening;

[0025]FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the assembled device and support of FIG. 12 taken along the line VIII-VIII of FIG. 12;

[0026]FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 13 showing section Y;

[0027]FIG. 15 is a lateral view of the fully assembled device according to the present invention;

[0028]FIG. 16 is a lateral view of the fully assembled device according to the present invention after insertion into a support opening;

[0029]FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of the fully assembled device shown in FIG. 15;

[0030]FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 17 showing section X;

[0031]FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of the device according to the present invention;

[0032]FIG. 20 is a sectional view taken along the line XX-XX of the device shown in FIG. 19; and,

[0033]FIG. 21 is a top isometric perspective view of the fully assembled device according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] With reference to FIGS. 1-4 and 21, the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown of a device for connecting a support, for instance, a body part of a motor vehicle with a panel element, especially a door or wall paneling. An exemplary support 2 is shown in FIG. 12, however, an exemplary panel element is not shown. The device is preferably made of plastic.

[0035] The preferred embodiment comprises a connecting element 1, shown in more detail in FIG. 7, an intermediate part 15, shown in FIG. 8, a sealing element 20, shown in FIG. 9, an engaging element 12, shown in FIG. 10 and a cap 50, shown in FIG. 11. The connecting part 1 has two flanges 70 and 71, positioned at a distance from each other, which interact, for example, with a locking elements 62, shown in FIGS. 5-6. In other words, the flanges can be inserted therein.

[0036] With reference next to FIGS. 7a-7 c, an intermediate section 5 of the connecting element 1 comprises a first region I and a second region II of the locking elements 10, whereby the first region I and the second region II are separated from each other by an intermediate neck 28. The aforementioned first and second regions respectively comprise circumferential grooves 34 and 32.

[0037] In the pre-assembled state V according to FIGS. 2, 12 and 13, the first region I of the locking elements 10 is locked with counter-locking elements 22 of the intermediate part 15, FIG. 8, while in the post-assembly state E, FIGS. 15 and 21, the second region II undergoes locking with the same counter-locking elements 22 of the intermediate part 15. Concurrently, in the post-assembly state E, the spreader elements 25 of the engaging element 12 are spread apart through the end region 4 of FIG. 8c, of the connecting element 1 in the area of the support opening 7 as depicted in FIG. 17.

[0038] The pre-assembled unit V is equipped, according to FIGS. 1-4, with locking elements 62 which is illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. The locking elements 62 have a slot 65 which is configured to receive the upper flange 70 of the connecting element 1. The lower flange 71 is simultaneously received at the underside of the locking elements 62. On the top side of the locking elements 62 are several, spirally extending retaining ribs 67.

[0039] In FIGS. 7a-7 c, the connecting element 1 is shown in detail in lateral view, front elevational view and cross sectional view respectively. As is apparent, the first region I, i.e. groove 32, of the locking elements 10 and the second region II, i.e. groove 34, are separated from each other by an intermediate neck.

[0040] On the underside of the locking elements 10, the groove 32 is adjacent to a flat surface 59, so that in cross-section a square exists in the described region, which serves as safeguard against twisting, so that the locking protrusions 22 can also be cleanly embedded there.

[0041] The level surfaces are adjacent to four sloping surfaces 57, which pass over into embedment regions 55. In the area of the embedment regions, cross-pieces 24 are provided. Cross-pieces 30 are provided in the area above the groove 34.

[0042] The lower part 4 of the connecting element 1, which delimits the embedment regions 55, is equipped with a locking component 52.

[0043] In FIGS. 8a-8 c, and in section C-C, the intermediate part 15 is depicted in detail. The intermediate part 15 is preferably formed in the shape of a disc, with a central region containing counter locking elements 22, with slots 31 arranged between each of the locking elements, FIG. 8, in the region of a passage opening 36 for the intermediate region 5 of the connecting element 1. In addition, a circumferential region is provided with diagonally opposite recesses 38, which serve as locking components for the stop catches 18. Between the recesses 38 of the intermediate part 15 are disposed engagement regions 33 for embedding at least one tongue 41 of the sealing elements, depicted in more detail in FIG. 9.

[0044] In the pre-assembled state, the first region I, i.e. groove 32 of the locking elements 1 is locked with the counter-locking elements 22 of the intermediate part 15. In assembled state E, on the other hand, the counter locking elements 22 of the intermediate part 15 engage in the second region II, i.e. in the circumferential groove 34 of the locking elements 10 of the connecting element 1.

[0045] In FIGS. 9a-9 b, and in section C-C, the previously mentioned sealing element 20 is depicted in more detail. It is preferably a rubber disk, having at least one tongue 41 and four diagonally opposing passage openings 21, as well as one center opening.

[0046]FIG. 10 depicts the engaging element 12 in a lateral view, a front elevational view and a C-C section view. The engaging element 12 presents, for example, four diagonally opposing cross-pieces 18, which grab behind the recesses 38 of the intermediate part 15, as shown in FIG. 20, and which are locked behind the recesses.

[0047] On the reverse side, the engaging element 12 has, for example, four diagonally opposing spreader elements 25, which taper in conical fashion and are separated from each other by slots. The spreader elements 25 of the engaging element 12 embed themselves according to FIG. 2 and FIG. 7, for example, in the embedment regions 55 of the connecting element 1, that is to say in pre-assembled state V.

[0048] In the assembled state E, on the other hand, the spreader elements 25 are spread apart via slopes 57 of the connecting element 1 and are positioned against the four flat surfaces 59 of the connecting element 1, resulting in a situation as depicted in FIG. 17. Thus, the entire device is locked in the support opening 7 of the support 2 in a functionally secure manner.

[0049]FIG. 11 depicts the cap 50 in a lateral view, a top elevational view and a section C-C view. The cap 50 has a passage opening 51 and can be locked with the lower part 4 of the connecting element 1, as shown also according to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, 12, 17 and 20. The circumferential regions of the cap 50 thereby enclose, according to the aforementioned Figs., in the pre-assembled position F, the lower, outer regions of the spreader elements 25 of the engaging element 12. After assembly into the assembled state E, the aforementioned regions, according to FIG. 17, are disposed at a distance from the circumferential surface of the cap 50.

[0050] According to FIG. 12, the preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention is adapted for insertion during the pre-assembly stage V in the support opening 7 of the support 2. In other words, the spreader elements 25 of the intermediate part 12 are not as yet spread apart. In this position, depicted according to FIGS. 13 and 14, the counter-locking elements 22 of the intermediate part 15, are embedded in the groove 32, i.e. in the first region I of the connecting element 1. Between the underside of the flange 71 of the connecting element 1 and the upper side of the intermediate part 15, there exists a distance according to FIG. 12.

[0051] If a pressure P is exerted upon the device according to FIG. 13, the counter-locking elements 22 move from region I into region II of the connecting element 1, as illustrated in FIG. 18. Thus, the counter locking elements 22 are embedded in the groove 34 of the connecting element 1. At the same time, the spreader elements 25 of the engaging element 12 move from the embedment regions 55 via the sloping surface 57 to the flat surfaces 59 of the connecting element 1 and are thus spread apart behind the opening 7 of the support 2. This position is depicted in more detail in FIGS. 17-20. Consequently, the entire device in the post-assembly stage E is essentially perfectly locked in the support opening 7 of the support 2, so that a panel element, for example a wall paneling of a motor vehicle (not shown), is connected in a functionally secure and effective manner via the locking elements 62 with the support 2, for example a door of a motor vehicle.

[0052] In the above-described position, the sealing element acts upon the upper side of support 2 and thus seals off in perfect fashion the support opening 7. The entire unit is locked together in a functionally secure manner, irrespective of the thickness of the support 2.

[0053] If the device according to the present invention must be disassembled, a pulling force can be exerted on the locking elements 62, whereby the counter-locking elements 22 of the intermediate part 15, exit from the region II of the connecting element 1 and move into region I. At the same time, the spreader effect of the spreader elements 25 is cancelled and these embed themselves once more, according to FIG. 2, into the embedment regions 55 of the connecting element 1. The entire device can thus be removed from the support opening 7, since the outer circumference of the spreader elements 25 is smaller than the outer circumference of the sealing cap 50, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 13.

[0054] The device according to the present invention is constructed in a simple fashion and is highly effective, with multiple assemblies or disassemblies being possible without destroying individual components. This produces many benefits including the benefit of precise adjustment of installation and removal forces, giving assurance of finely-tuned synchronization. The aforementioned forces are independent of the thickness of the support material.

[0055] The invention has been described above with reference to the preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding the specification. 

1. Device for connecting a support (2), especially a body part of a motor vehicle with a panel element, especially a door or wall paneling, comprising a connecting element (1) of an upper part (3) to be fastened to the panel element and a lower part (4) to be connected with the support (2), whereby between the upper part (3) and the lower part (4) a neck-shaped intermediate region (5) is provided, equipped with locking elements (10) which extends through an engaging element (12) that is insertable into a support opening (7), whereby the intermediate region (5) above the support (2) is surrounded by an intermediate element (15), which is lockable with the locking elements (10) and whereby between the intermediate element (15) and the engaging element (12) there is arranged a sealing element (20) which acts upon the upper side of the support (2) characterized in that the intermediate region (5) of the connecting element (1) has a first region I and a second region II of the locking elements (10), that in pre-assembly the first region I, and in final assembly the second region II of the locking elements (10) are locked with counter-locking elements of the intermediate component (15) and that in final assembly E, the spreader elements (25) of the engaging element (12), in the region of the support opening (7), are simultaneously spread apart through the end region (4) of the connecting element (1).
 2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second region I, II of the locking elements (10) are respectively designed as circumferential groove (32, 34).
 3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first and the second region I, II of the locking elements (10) are separated from each other by an intermediate neck element (28).
 4. Device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the connecting element (1) has at least two diagonally opposing cross-pieces (30) which are embedded in final assembly E in slots (31) of the intermediate part (15).
 5. Device according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate part (15) is designed in the shape of a disk with a central region with counter-locking elements (22) and in-between arranged slots (31) in the region of a passage opening (36) for the intermediate region (5) of the connecting element (1) and with a circumferential region with diagonally opposing recesses (38) FIGS. 8a-8 c.
 6. Connecting element according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cover (50) is attached at the end of the lower part (4) of the connecting element (1).
 7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the cover (50) is clipped into a catch (52) of the lower part (4).
 8. Device according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lower part (4) of the connecting element (1), behind the catch (52) presents embedment regions (55) for the spreader elements (25) of the engaging element (12) in pre-assembled state, V—FIG.
 13. 9. Device according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the embedment regions (55) of the lower part (4) of the connecting element (1) are separated from each other by means of cross-pieces (24).
 10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that next to the embedment regions (55) of the lower part (4) are conically tapering sloping surfaces (57) for spreading apart the spreader elements (25) of the engaging element (12) when the connecting element (1) moves from pre-assembly V to final assembly E—FIG.
 17. 11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that during final assembly E, the forced apart spreader elements (25) abut flat surfaces (59) of the lower part (4) of the connecting element (1).
 12. Device according to one or several of the preceding claims, characterized in that the engaging element (12) above the spreader elements (25) presents cross-pieces, which are embeddable in the recesses (38) of the intermediate part (15).
 13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that between the recesses (38) of the intermediate part (15) there are arranged engagement regions (33) for embedment of at least one tongue (51) of the sealing element (20) in pre- and final assembly V; E.
 14. Device according to claim 12 and 13, characterized in that the sealing element (20) has passage openings (21) for the spreader elements (25) of the engaging element (12). 